The ukulele, with its bright, cheery sound and approachable learning curve, has gained widespread popularity worldwide. As a stringed instrument, the ukulele shares many commonalities with the guitar, yet it has its unique set of characteristics, from tuning to chord voicings. When learning to play the ukulele, musicians often come across a specific number – “7” – that holds significant meaning within the context of chords, tunings, and even playing techniques. In this article, we will explore the different interpretations of “7” in ukulele playing, the role it plays in musical theory, and how to incorporate it into your ukulele playing effectively.
The Basics of Ukulele Chords
Before diving into the specific meaning of “7,” it’s important to understand the basics of ukulele chords. A ukulele typically has four strings, each tuned to specific notes (G, C, E, and A in standard tuning). Just like the guitar, chords on the ukulele are formed by pressing down specific strings on the fretboard to create different pitches. The combination of these pitches results in a chord, and this is where the number “7” comes into play.
Chords are named after the root note of the scale they belong to. For instance, C major, G major, A minor, and F major are all chords on the ukulele. Each chord is built on intervals, and these intervals can be major, minor, diminished, augmented, and so on. Among these, the “seventh” chord stands as one of the most important and versatile in both beginner and advanced ukulele playing.
What Does 7 Mean in Ukulele?
In the context of the ukulele, the “7” represents the seventh interval within a musical scale. This number is most commonly seen in “seventh chords,” such as C7, G7, and F7. Seventh chords are vital because they add emotional depth and complexity to a piece of music. Let’s take a closer look at how the “7” functions within these chords.
The Role of the Seventh in Ukulele Chords
The seventh interval in music refers to the seventh note in a diatonic scale. To illustrate this, let’s look at the C major scale, which consists of the following notes:
C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C (octave)
The “seventh” in this case is the note B, which lies a full seven steps away from the root note C. In the case of a C7 chord, we lower the B note by a half-step to create a “dominant seventh,” resulting in a chord that has a slightly tense and unfinished quality compared to a major chord.
To make a C7 chord on the ukulele, you would play the following:
- Open C string (C)
- Press the first fret of the E string (D)
- Open G string (G)
- Open A string (A)
The inclusion of the “7” in the C7 chord gives the chord a distinct sound, marking the difference between a simple major chord (C) and the dominant seventh (C7).
Types of Seventh Chords on Ukulele
There are several variations of seventh chords that you will come across while playing the ukulele. These variations change the mood and feel of the music. Let’s break down the most common types of seventh chords:
1. Dominant Seventh (7)
The dominant seventh chord is the most common and the most likely chord to feature a “7” in its name. This chord is formed by lowering the seventh note of the major scale by one half-step. In the case of C7, the chord consists of the notes C, E, G, and B♭.
The dominant seventh has a slightly tense, unresolved feel, often leading to a resolution to the tonic or root chord. It is widely used in blues, jazz, and rock genres, where the tension created by the seventh demands movement to a stable chord.
For example, to play a G7 chord on the ukulele:
- Open G string (G)
- Second fret of the C string (D)
- Open E string (E)
- First fret of the A string (F)
The G7 chord is a dominant seventh chord, and you will notice that the “7” gives the chord a unique flavor.
2. Major Seventh (maj7)
A major seventh chord is more relaxed and smooth compared to the dominant seventh. To form a major seventh, you take the root note, the major third, the perfect fifth, and the major seventh. In the Cmaj7 chord, the notes are C, E, G, and B.
On the ukulele, you can play the Cmaj7 chord as follows:
- Open C string (C)
- Open E string (E)
- Open G string (G)
- Open A string (A)
This chord has a serene and peaceful sound, commonly found in jazz, soul, and R&B music. It doesn’t have the same tension as the dominant seventh chord, making it sound more resolved.
3. Minor Seventh (m7)
The minor seventh chord is similar to the dominant seventh, except it’s based on a minor scale. To form a minor seventh chord, you start with a minor triad (root, minor third, perfect fifth) and add the minor seventh interval. In the case of Am7 (A minor seventh), the notes are A, C, E, and G.
To play an Am7 chord on the ukulele:
- Open A string (A)
- Open E string (E)
- Open C string (C)
- Open G string (G)
The minor seventh chord carries a more melancholic or introspective feel. It’s widely used in genres such as jazz and pop to create emotional depth.
4. Half-Diminished Seventh (m7♭5)
A half-diminished seventh chord is a variation of the minor seventh chord. It includes a diminished fifth (flattened fifth note) and a minor seventh. This chord is often written as “m7♭5” and sounds dark and unresolved.
For example, in the case of Bm7♭5 (B minor seven flat five), the notes are B, D, F, and A.
5. Diminished Seventh (dim7)
The diminished seventh chord is an even more tense version of the seventh chord. It consists of a diminished triad (root, minor third, diminished fifth) and a diminished seventh. This chord has a dissonant, unstable sound and is often used to create tension in music, especially in classical and jazz.
The Importance of Seventh Chords in Ukulele Playing
The inclusion of seventh chords in ukulele playing is essential for adding complexity, emotional depth, and movement to music. Seventh chords offer musicians an excellent tool for creating musical tension and resolution, both of which are foundational in music composition.
By mastering seventh chords, ukulele players can expand their harmonic palette, moving beyond simple major and minor chords to create rich, sophisticated sounds. Additionally, seventh chords are prevalent in various musical genres, including blues, jazz, pop, and rock. For example, in blues music, the 12-bar blues progression heavily relies on dominant seventh chords. Knowing how to play these chords on the ukulele allows players to replicate this classic sound.
How to Use 7 in Ukulele Playing
Incorporating seventh chords into your playing involves understanding their role within a progression. Seventh chords tend to create movement, often leading to a resolution on the tonic chord. Here are some tips on how to effectively use the “7” in your ukulele playing:
1. Blues Progression
Seventh chords, particularly dominant seventh chords, are integral to blues music. In a typical 12-bar blues progression, the I, IV, and V chords are usually played as dominant seventh chords. For example, in the key of C, you might use C7, F7, and G7 chords to create a classic blues feel.
2. Jazz Chord Progressions
Jazz music often employs major seventh, minor seventh, and dominant seventh chords in complex progressions. Learning how to play these chords on the ukulele will allow you to explore jazz standards and improvisation. The “7” is a key component in understanding jazz harmony.
3. Chord Substitution
In many styles of music, seventh chords can be used as substitutes for basic major or minor chords. For example, you could substitute a C major chord with a Cmaj7 chord to add sophistication to a simple progression.
4. Creating Tension
The dominant seventh chord is an excellent tool for building tension within a song. By playing a dominant seventh chord, such as G7, followed by a resolution to the tonic (C major), you create a feeling of anticipation and satisfaction when the chord resolves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “7” in ukulele playing is far more than just a number – it is a vital musical tool that adds depth, tension, and emotion to your music. Whether you are playing dominant seventh chords, major seventh chords, or minor seventh chords, understanding how to use the seventh interval will open up new possibilities for your ukulele playing. Mastering seventh chords is essential for any ukulele player who wishes to expand their musical vocabulary and explore a variety of genres and styles. By incorporating these chords into your playing, you’ll be able to take your ukulele skills to the next level and create more nuanced and expressive performances.
